The 5G UPGRADE Act streamlines the process for wireless companies to upgrade existing cell towers and antennas by establishing strict timelines for state and local government approval. Under the bill, if a state or local government does not approve or deny an upgrade request within 60 days, the request is automatically approved—though this timeline can be extended if the government requests missing information within 30 days, with specific procedures for follow-up requests. The legislation prevents governments from requiring excessive documentation, banning pre-application meetings and limiting required information to what is publicly posted and directly relevant to determining eligibility. Wireless companies can sue in federal court on an expedited basis if governments violate these rules, and the Federal Communications Commission has 180 days to issue implementing regulations after the bill becomes law. The bill aims to accelerate 5G deployment across the country by removing local regulatory delays while maintaining government oversight through a structured review process.
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